Woakes, Jordan win England contracts

ChrisWoakes

Wicket-keeper Jos Buttler, all-rounder Ben Stokes and batsman Gary Ballance were the other new additions to England's player pool announced on Thursday.

Just 12 England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) contracts were dished out on Thursday and four of them went to players - Ali, Balance, Jordan and Buttler - who made their Test debuts this year.

As expected, Jonathan Trott did not have his contract renewed, while Graeme Swann and Matt Prior also saw their deals end due to retirement and injury respectively.

Captain Alastair Cook and key players Ian Bell, Joe Root, James Anderson and Stuart Broad all extended their contracts.

A further five players, including Yorkshire seamer Liam Plunkett, won incremental contracts.

"The awarding of contracts enables the selectors and team management to plan for the next 12 months of international cricket," ECB national selector James Whitaker said.

"We have been hugely encouraged by the rapid development of a host of younger players in the last year and this is reflected in a total of six players being awarded 12-month central contracts for the first time."

Paceman Tim Bresnan and opener Sam Robson were key omissions from both lists.

Central contracts: Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Steve Finn, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

Incremental contracts: Ravi Bopara, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Liam Plunkett, James Tredwell

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